by Howard County, MD – In a groundbreaking development, police have identified the woman at the center of a 1971 cold case homicide in Howard County as Sadie Belle Murray, a Pennsylvania mother who tragically lost her life more than 50 years ago. This remarkable identification has not only brought closure to the decades-old mystery but also reunited Murray’s two living adult children after more than 70 years apart.
Advanced DNA technology and genealogical research paved the way for this long-awaited breakthrough, highlighting the persistence and dedication of Howard County’s cold case investigators. The discovery has given a long-sought resolution to the family, as well as the community, still grappling with the tragic events of 1971.
Unlocking the Past: The 1971 Cold Case Homicide
According to official police records, Sadie Belle Murray was found unconscious and severely injured in a field near Route 99 in Woodstock in July 1971. She was subsequently hospitalized but never regained consciousness and passed away two months later from her injuries sustained in an assault.
The victim was known as Sarah Belle Sharkey at the time of her death, with her birth date listed as September 7, 1924. For decades, her identity remained a mystery, labeled as a Jane Doe until modern forensic methods were applied.
Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der credited cutting-edge DNA profiling technology for finally cracking the case. In October 2024, the cold case unit discovered biological slides refrigerated for over 50 years, which enabled them to develop a DNA profile of Murray. Leveraging genealogy tools, investigators identified her two surviving children:
- Charles Leroy Sharkey, age 79
- Mildred Marie Cantwell, age 81
“The work done by our cold case unit to solve a mystery of more than 50 years, and then bring siblings back together after 70 years apart, is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Chief Der.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances that brought Murray to Howard County and to unravel more details about her murder.
Additionally, a reward of $30,000 has been announced for information related to any cold cases in Howard County, encouraging community participation in crime solving.
A Family Finally Reunited: Murray’s Children Connect After Decades
The tragic aftermath of Murray’s death saw her children placed in orphanages at a young age, leading to decades of separation. The recent identification allowed Charles Sharkey and Mildred Cantwell to reunite in July 2024:
“I looked for years, and then I gave up because nobody wants to tell me anything,” Charles Sharkey said. “I thought I’d never connect again with my family. I tried there for a while, even traveling to Pennsylvania, where we were born, and Cleveland, where we were adopted. I got nowhere. There was nothing.”
“Learning about my mother was closure for me,” added Mildred Cantwell. “I always wondered…and I am glad to have that closure. Being reunited with my brother is awesome. He’s the only thing in that family that I remember. The closure is worth everything because I always wondered what happened to her.”
The reunion brings a profoundly personal and emotional resolution to a cold case that had haunted the family for decades.
Howard County’s Commitment to Solving Cold Cases
The identification of Sadie Belle Murray marks another significant achievement for Howard County law enforcement, which has recently closed multiple cold cases.
Earlier in March 2024, the department resolved its second-oldest cold case involving the 1975 murder of Roseann Sturtz, whose killer was identified as Charles William Davis Jr. The breakthrough came after recovered evidence and confessions confirmed his guilt.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball praised the police department’s dedication:
“Sadie was a daughter, a mother, a member of our larger Howard County family, and today she is no longer forgotten.”
This resolution underscores the county’s ongoing commitment to bringing justice and closure to families affected by unsolved crimes, with three cold cases closed since 2021.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Cold Case Breakthroughs
The identification of Sadie Belle Murray not only closes a painful chapter for her family but also shines a light on the transformative power of forensic science in solving cold cases. It provides hope to other families still awaiting answers.
Key takeaways from this case include:
- The use of archived biological evidence preserved for decades can lead to breakthroughs using modern DNA technology.
- Genealogy databases and DNA profiling are powerful tools that can identify unknown victims and suspects.
- Dedicated cold case units bring closure not just to investigations but also to families who have been separated or left in the dark.
- Community involvement remains crucial, with rewards incentivizing public tips that may solve unsolved cases.
What do you think about this case breakthrough? Have you or someone you know ever been affected by a cold case? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
